Men who cheat may be at risk for heart attack: study

Men, who have extramarital affairs, may be putting their hearts at risk – and not just when it comes to love.

Having an illicit affair is an independent risk factor for having a heart attack, according to a recent study conducted in Italy.

The study found that extramarital affairs do not have a protective effect on cardiovascular risk – despite the fact that a healthy sex life can mean fewer heart problems for men.

“We have recently observed that to be unfaithful – especially to one’s sexually well, willing partner – represents an independent risk factor for forthcoming major cardiovascular events,” said Alessandra Fisher, who works at a clinic at the Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit in Florence, Italy, and is the main author of the study in an email to the Star.

“Looking for and investing in a satisfactory relationship with a well, willing partner seems to protect men from cardiovascular events,” said Fisher, a medical doctor specializing in endocrinology and metabolism diseases.

“Betraying a sexually involved and in love partner seems to be associated with a higher cardiovascular risk.”

Her take home message to men: “Having more sex in a satisfactory and caring relationship could improve their life expectancy.”